BlueOptics Q28-AOC-25M-AO-BO InfiniBand fibre optic cable 25m OM3

The BlueOptics Q28-AOC-25M-AO-BO InfiniBand fibre optic cable 25m OM3 is an active optical cable (AOC) with QSFP28 to QSFP28 connectors designed for short-distance 100G data links within and between racks. The cable uses OM3 multimode fibre with a 50 µm core and supports 100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet and InfiniBand high-speed applications. The AOC design integrates optical transceiver electronics in each connector to convert electrical signals to optical and back, offering reduced weight and greater flexibility compared with direct-attach twinax solutions. The sheath is LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) for reduced smoke and halogen emissions in the event of fire, and each cable is factory tested for quality and compliance with common industry standards.

Advantages

Active Optical Cable construction provides electrical-to-optical conversion in integrated QSFP28 transceivers, enabling reliable 100G links with lower weight and smaller bend radius than equivalent direct-attach copper twinax cables. The OM3 multimode fibre combined with QSFP28 connectors meets SFF and IEEE guidelines, while LSZH sheathing reduces hazardous emissions. Factory testing and the use of established optical and electronic components ensure consistent performance for data centre and high-performance computing environments.

Suitable for

• Short-reach 100G connections within server racks or between adjacent racks
• High-performance computing clusters and InfiniBand fabrics
• 100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet links and data centre aggregation or spine connections
• Environments requiring LSZH cabling for reduced smoke and halogen exposure

Key specifications

• Cable type: Active Optical Cable (AOC) with integrated transceiver electronics
• Connector type: QSFP28 to QSFP28
• Length: 25 metres
• Fibre type: OM3 multimode fibre
• Core diameter: 50 µm
• Supported protocols: 100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet, InfiniBand high-speed links
• Sheath: LSZH (low smoke, zero halogen)
• Bend radius: smaller than typical direct-attach twinax solutions (improved flexibility)

How to use

Install the QSFP28 connectors into compatible QSFP28 ports on switches, routers, host adapters or other network devices while the devices are powered according to vendor hot-plug specifications. Ensure the cable is routed without excessive bending and that the LSZH sheath is intact. The integrated transceivers handle signal conversion automatically; no separate SFP/QSFP modules are required. After insertion, verify link status through device LEDs or management interfaces and perform any necessary link configuration on connected equipment to match the desired 100G or InfiniBand settings.

Recommendations

Route the cable to avoid tight bends and mechanical strain, keep cable lengths appropriate for rack layouts, and follow equipment vendor guidance for hot-plugging QSFP28 connectors. Use LSZH cabling when regulations or site safety policies require reduced smoke and halogen emissions. For critical applications, validate link performance after installation and retain factory test documentation where available.